How to Resolve PST Data File Import into Exchange Online Stuck at 0% Problem?
Summary: This post provides methods to properly fix the PST import process being stuck at 0 in Exchange Online by helping you identify the underlying reasons for the problem. A PST to Office 365 migrator program is also mentioned, which can assist in a problem-free migration of PST data to Office 365.
Users of Microsoft 365 are given the option of directly importing their mailbox data from Outlook PST files into their Exchange Online mailboxes. It enables them to transfer their local data to the cloud for improved administration and security. When importing and uploading PST files into an Exchange Online account, they can choose between the Network Upload technique and the Drive Shipping option.
However, sometimes, during the import process, users or administrators run across problems or difficulties that can stop or impede the mailbox migration. One of the most annoying problems is that the PST data file import process stalls at 0% and never advances. You will discover the likely reasons for the problem and how to fix it in this thorough troubleshooting guide.
Why is PST Import into Exchange Online Stuck at 0%?
When importing PST files into Exchange Online using Microsoft’s tools such as the Exchange Online PST Import service or Azure AzCopy, being stuck at 0% can be frustrating. This issue can occur due to various reasons, and troubleshooting it may involve several steps. Here are some common reasons why PST imports may get stuck at 0% and steps to resolve the issue:
- Connectivity to networks – The import process may be hampered and halt at 0% due to poor network access, insufficient bandwidth, delayed transfers, or sporadic network problems.
- Inadequate Permissions – The import procedure could become unresponsive if you lack the necessary permissions. You need the Mailbox Import Export role given to your account in order to import PST files into Exchange Online. Even the global administrator is by default not given the role.
- Unreliable PST Files – The PST import process may stall at 0% if PST files are inconsistent or corrupt.
- Conflicting Migrations Task – Multiple PST import tasks used to import multiple PST files may result in conflicts and stop the import process.
Techniques for Solving the PST Import Stuck at 0% Problem in Exchange Online
Troubleshooting a PST import stuck at 0% issue in Exchange Online can be a complex process. Here are some methods to help you fix and resolve the problem:
#1. Check Network Connectivity:
Verify your network connectivity. Slow or unreliable internet connections can lead to import delays. Make sure that you have a stable and fast internet connection.
#2. Verify Permissions:
Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to perform PST imports. You typically need Global Administrator or specific permissions assigned for PST imports. Double-check your permissions and roles.
#3. Use the Right Import Method:
Make sure you are using the correct tool for PST imports. Microsoft provides several methods, including the Exchange Online PST Import service, Azure AzCopy, and the Security & Compliance Center. Choose the appropriate method and follow the correct steps.
#4. Scheduled Maintenance:
Check if there are any scheduled maintenance activities or updates on your Exchange Online environment that might be impacting the import process.
#5. Restart Import Process
Restarting the import task is one of the easiest ways to fix a PST import that is stopped at 0%. Simply stopping the stuck PST import task and beginning it again will accomplish this.
#6. Reduce PST File Size
When it comes to importing big PST files, Microsoft 365 or Exchange Online has some restrictions. The PST import process may become obstructed or interrupted by them, leaving it stuck at 0%.
Because of this, it’s essential to keep PST files small—ideally around 10 GB each—before uploading them to Azure Blob Storage. You can use a PST file splitter program or the Outlook Import Export wizard to break up huge PST files into smaller files. Try importing and uploading the PST files into Exchange Online after that. This will enable you to get through the difficulties and effectively import PST files into Exchange Online mailboxes.
#7. Remove Passwords and Protections
Password-protected or encrypted PST files cannot be imported into Office 365 or Exchange Online. Check to see if the PST files you’re attempting to import have password protection. Try opening the PST file in Outlook to confirm this. If Outlook asks you for the password, the file is password-protected.
Follow these steps to remove the password:
- Enter the password and then launch the PST file in Outlook.
- Launch the Outlook Import Export wizard by choosing File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
- Then click Next after choosing Export to a file.
- Select Outlook Data File (.pst).
- All mail folders can be selected. Then click Next.
- A save destination can be selected by clicking Browse, then click Finish.
When prompted, simply click OK without entering any passwords. Post this, build a fresh PST import task, upload the unlocked PST files once more, map them with a CSV file, and then launch the PST import process.
#8. Review the CSV Mapping File
One of the most important files, the CSV mapping file, contains details about the destination mailboxes on Exchange Online and the PST files that have been transferred. The PST import may have problems if the CSV file has any typos, mismatches, or inaccurate entries. The Microsoft PST import service only checks the header tags for the columns and rows, therefore it cannot check for these problems. The PST file name, location, destination account/mailbox, or folder names cannot be verified or checked for typos.
You can carefully enter the necessary information in the CSV file after downloading this sample copy of the CSV.
What to do if the PST Import Job is Unresponsive?
Use a trusted PST to Office 365 migrator application, like CubexSoft PST Converter, if the PST import job is still at 0%, does not move forward, or you experience other problems. You may save time and resources by instantly exporting all of your PST files to Exchange Online in perfect condition.
With the use of this program, you may accurately and error-free export bulk, password-protected, or inconsistent PST files to Microsoft 365. Simply choose and scan the PST file, log in to the Microsoft 365 mailbox, and click “Convert” are all that are required. It’s the most practical, effective, and safe method of importing PST files into Exchange Online from local storage.
Additionally, it saves money and uses fewer resources. By using Microsoft Secure authentication, you can upload numerous PST files from many systems to Exchange Online at once.
The Concluding Lines!
When importing PST files into Exchange Online, you could run across a number of problems, like the import process getting stopped at 0%. You are unable to import mailbox data into Exchange Online mailboxes due to the problem. You can complete your PST import task and analyse the likely causes of the problem with the assistance of this troubleshooting guide. In case you can’t fix the problem or run into another one, don’t forget to use CubexSoft software. You can use the software to import PST files on a small or large scale with 100% accuracy and integrity.
